New Trier Mourns the Loss of Assistant Coach Alex Pegler

Alex Pegler, who was a state champion player for New Trier Green and an assistant coach this season for that team, passed away Oct. 21st. He was 24.

Pegler played New Trier hockey for four years, made a huge impact on the young men he coached and his presence will be greatly missed both on and off the ice, the New Trier Hockey Club posted on its website. “Our thoughts and condolences go out to Alex’s family, his players, and all those who knew and loved him.”

New Trier Green head coach Bob Melton, who coached Pegler during his playing days, wrote on Facebook that the New Trier Hockey Club lost “a family member” with Pegler’s passing. “Alex Pegler was one of my former players, a friend and was currently a member of my Green (and) White Teams coaching staff,” Melton said. “Alex, you will be greatly missed, but never forgotten. You left us way too early. You had such a positive impact on this year’s Green Team you will never know. RIP my friend.”

Ross Forman has written about Illinois high school hockey for more than 15 years and is the only sportswriter to have covered Illinois High School hockey every year during that stretch. He played locally and then at Indiana University before becoming a referee. Ross was a referee for the State Championship game several years ago at the United Center. Contact Ross by email at Rossco814@aol.com.